Urban Development News from the media | 18 August 2026 | Improving infrastructure tools for Fast-track

Improving infrastructure tools for Fast-track

The Government will strengthen infrastructure funding settings to ensure the costs of growth from incoming Fast-track developments can be recovered, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts say.

“A key part of this Government’s plan to fix New Zealand’s economy and drive higher living standards is to say yes to growth more often. That’s why we are overhauling planning rules, progressing our Going for Housing Growth agenda, and removing unnecessary red tape. It’s also why we established Fast-track”, Mr Bishop says.

“Councils have told us that they are not able to effectively recover the costs of enabling infrastructure for growth, particularly when it comes to unplanned or out-of-sequence developments.

“The Government’s position is that that growth should pay for growth and we are building a flexible infrastructure funding and financing system to match our new, flexible planning system.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/improving-infrastructure-tools-fast-track

Arlington reset to deliver 104 new social homes

The Government has approved a plan to reset the Kāinga Ora Arlington development, which will deliver 104 new social homes in central Wellington and provide up to $6 million to Wellington City Council to support housing services for vulnerable people, Housing Minister Chris Bishop has announced.

Following indicative Cabinet approval, Kāinga Ora will finalise a detailed business case for its Arlington site, which is owned by Wellington City Council and leased back to Kāinga Ora as part of a long-term agreement for social housing delivery. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and finish in 2029.

“Providing a long-term pipeline of quality, fit-for-purpose social housing in the right places, for the people who need it most is an essential part of addressing New Zealand’s housing shortage and wider infrastructure deficit,” Mr Bishop says.

“Subject to Wellington City Council approving a variation to its existing lease, the Arlington development will include 55 one-bedroom apartments, 37 two-bedroom apartments, and 12 four-bedroom terrace homes, helping meet demand for both smaller homes and family-sized housing in the suburb of Mount Cook.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/arlington-reset-deliver-104-new-social-homes

$31m upgrade planned for Devonport Ferry Wharf

Auckland Transport will spend $31 million upgrading Devonport Ferry Wharf and Terminal in a three-year project aimed at replacing ageing infrastructure and preparing the site for new electric hybrid ferries.

The project will reconstruct Piers 1 and 2 and fully refurbish the terminal waiting room, with construction due to begin in December 2026.

AT said Pier 2 and the terminal waiting area would close first while work was carried out, with Pier 1 remaining open for passenger services.

Once Pier 2 was completed, ferry services would shift there so work could begin on Pier 1.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/361017321/31m-upgrade-planned-devonport-ferry-wharf

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